I nearly voted for Ukip, says Morrissey

One has called for the flogging of the Beckhams and said the Chinese were a
'subspecies', while the other once described Herman Van Rompuy as a 'damp
rag'. So perhaps it's no surprise that Morrissey has revealed his admiration
for Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

Morrissey's legions of fans could not be more different to Ukip's followersPhoto: WIREIMAGE

Morrissey, the former frontman of the Smiths, admitted he has toyed with the idea of voting for Ukip.

"I nearly voted for Ukip. I like Nigel Farage a great deal," he told Loaded magazine.

"His views are quite logical – especially where Europe is concerned, although it was plain daft of him to applaud the lavish expense of the royal wedding at a time when working-class England were told to cut back, shut-up and get stuffed."

The show of support for Ukip is unlikely to go down well with David Cameron.

The Prime Minister declared himself a devoted fan of The Smiths several years ago. However, in response to the revelation, Morrissey published a 1,224-word diatribe criticising Mr Cameron and his support for foxhunting, making it clear he did not want him as a fan.

Morrissey's legions of fans could not be more different to Ukip's followers. While the singer's supporters might be found leafing through a copy of NME, Mr Farage's rank-and-file could be more at home in a golf club in Tunbridge Wells.

But the two men clearly share a love of controversy.

In 2010, Morrissey, famously a Vegan, described the Chinese as a "subspecies" in relation to their poor treatment of animals.

The singer, who wrote the song Meat is Murder, said: "Did you see the thing on the news about their treatment of animals and animal welfare? Absolutely horrific.

"You can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies."

He also caused a stir after describing what he'd like to do with the Beckhams, who he labelled the 'Peckhams'.

"I'd have the Peckhams dragged to the edge of the village and flogged because they are insufferable to anyone of intelligence, and they actively chase the paparazzi," he said.

Meanwhile Mr Farage astonished MEPs in 2010 after he insulted European Union President Herman Van Rompuy during his first appearance in the European Parliament.

He said: "I don't want to be rude.

"But you know, really, you have the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low grade bank clerk."